November 1st, 2006 marks the 25th anniversary of Independence for the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda. Under the theme Antigua & Barbuda…One family embracing the future together, this year’s celebration is jam packed with an impressive program of events running from September 16th to December 9th.
Some of the anticipated events are the annual National Dress Day, where many nationals don their cultural finery created from cotton and madras materials. Outfits could range from a simple madras flower strategically placed in the hair to an elaborate ensemble, complete with headdress, apron and hand-held fan. Other events include a trade show; arts and crafts expo; the inaugural Caribbean Literary Arts Festival, which will showcase the talent of local and regional writers and poets; and the eagerly anticipated National Food Fair, where patrons can experience the tastes and smells of Antiguan and Barbudan cuisine.
From the annual Youth Rally Parade to rooting for your favorite contestant in the Ms. Independence Pageant, there is certainly an event for everyone. This year’s cultural extravaganza promises to be nothing short of spectacular!
Happy 25th birthday Antigua and Barbuda from Club La Perla.
Mango Festival26th - 27th August
The first annual Christian Valley Mango Festival, of which La Perla was a sponsor, took place on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th August, showcasing local dishes, and local art and craft. The festival also featured local dishes and drinks, made from - you guessed it - mangoes.
Dubbed a family oriented and cultural exhibition, the festival was held in the lush green natural surroundings of the Christian Valley Agricultural Station.
The main aim of the festival, according to organizer Dr. Anthony Richards, is the conservation and utilization of the well-loved fruit, which literally goes to waste during the season.
The festival received full support from locals and visitors alike, and was attended by members of government, including the Prime Minister, the Honorable Baldwin Spencer.
La Perla is happy to have been involved in this landmark event.
Antigua Carnival - July 28th – August 8th
Hailed as the Caribbean’s greatest summer festival, Antigua’s 49th Carnival celebrations kicked off on July 28th and ran to August 8th, 2006. Under the theme, “It’s the Caribbean’s Greatest Cultural Mix, ANTIGUA’S CARNIVAL 2006”, there were the usual main attractions – Steel Pan, Calypso and Party Monarch Competitions; Teen Splash, Jaycees Caribbean Queen and Queen of Carnival pageants; and J’ouvert and Last Lap street jump-ups – all culminating in a kaleidoscope of colorful costumes on the streets of downtown St. John’s.
If you missed this year, keep in mind that 2007 will mark 50 years of Antigua’s Carnival celebrations. It’s guaranteed to be spectacular!
Stanford 20/20 Cricket Tournament 11th July - 13th August
The Stanford 20/20 Cricket Tournament – the brainchild of Antiguan investor R. Allan Stanford – brought 19 Caribbean Cricket teams to the Stanford Cricket Grounds to battle it out for the grand prize of US$1 million. The teams included host country Antigua, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Bermuda, Barbados and the British Virgin Islands. The single elimination knockout competition received both regional and international support and a capacity crowd turnout for each game, rain notwithstanding!
In the semi-finals, Trinidad and Tobago, led by Captain Darren Ganga, beat Nevis by 74 runs to advance, while Guyana, with Ramnaresh Sarwan at the helm, had a brilliant six-wicket win over Grenada, who literally went home in tears. The final match pitted Trinidad and Tobago against Guyana, two regional Cricket giants.
In the final match, Trinidad and Tobago batted first, making 175 runs off 20 overs. When it was Guyana’s turn at bat, they delivered a scintillating performance. With six runs needed off two balls to win the US$1 million grand prize, Guyana batsman, Deonarine, carted the full-length ball over the fence and into a frenzied crowd – taking the Guyanese to 176. The amazing shot won him the US$25,000 Play-of-the-Match award, while the US$100,000 Man-of-the Match award went to Guyana’s Travis Dowlin, who hit 80 runs off 60 balls before he was forced to retire hurt with back spasms and cramps.
For their commendable efforts, Trinidad and Tobago received the second-place prize of US$500,000.
After the match, spectators were treated to a magnificent fire words display and concert featuring regional superstars. November 10th, 2006 will see the top stars of the Stanford 20/20 Tournament take on the South African national team for US5 million.
